Mediterranean Chicken Bowl

Elevate your warm summer dinner with this delicious and healthy recipe—follow the simple steps below to create a dish that won’t disappoint!

INGREDIENTS:

Preheat your oven to 375°F. While your oven is preheating, you can line your baking sheet and (preferably) an 8×8 baking dish with foil.
Boil your quinoa. Add your quinoa and the broth to a small pot and heat over high heat until it starts boiling. Cover your lid and reduce the heat; then let it sit for 5-8 minutes (keep the lid on).
After the 5-8 minutes is up, season your quinoa with 1/8 tsp salt and fluff with a fork. Season to taste and set aside.
Cook the chicken. Next, add your diced chicken, 1 tsp. Olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano. 1/2 tsp salt and lastly 1/4 tsp pepper. Mix until the chicken is coated evenly. Bake for about 12-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F. Then, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes.
Roast the zucchini. To the baking sheet, add your 2 zucchini, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil, then mix together and roast in your already preheated oven for 8-12 minutes until you start to see your zucchini start to brown.
Assemble your bowl. To assemble your Mediterranean chicken bowl, divide the zucchini, quinoa, and chicken among 2 bowls. Finish by topping your bowl with a scoop of hummus, a lemon wedge, Tzatziki sauce (or dip), and parsley.

Quinoa: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties due to its rich content of bioactive compounds like flavonoids, saponins, and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It can also help reduce inflammation by providing a good source of fiber, protein, and other nutrients
Chicken: Especially lean cuts like breast, is generally considered a good source of protein and can be part of a balanced anti-inflammatory eating plan.
Zucchini: Can be considered anti-inflammatory due to its rich source of antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, zucchini contains vitamin C and beta-carotene, which also contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Storing: Store leftover quinoa, chicken, and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If combined, consume the Mediterranean Chicken Bowl within a day to avoid sogginess.

This dish is sure to become even more delightful with the addition of these ingredients listed below!